Union II Fall to Inter Miami II in Frustrating 1-0 Loss at Subaru Park
On a cool Memorial Day weekend afternoon, Philadelphia Union II saw their unbeaten start to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season come to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Inter Miami II. Despite dominating the stat sheet with 23 shots to Miami’s 3, the home side couldn’t convert chances, while a 36th-minute strike from Daniel Pinter proved decisive for the visitors.
Match Overview
First Half – Missed Opportunities and a Miami Breakthrough
Philadelphia started the match with intensity but lacked sharpness in the final third. Despite controlling possession and generating multiple looks at goal, poor decision-making in attack—particularly ignoring passing lanes—kept the scoreline even.
In the 36th minute, Daniel Pinter capitalized on a quick counterattack, beating the backline and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Oliver Semmle. It was Miami’s only shot on target—and the only one they needed.
Second Half – Adjustments Made, But No Equalizer
Cavan Sullivan, CJ Olney, and Oscar Benitez entered at halftime, energizing Union II’s attack. Changes in shape allowed Markus Anderson to move up top, and Nick Pariano to influence the midfield more directly.
The Union looked more fluid, but as frustration mounted, so did missed chances. In the 80th minute, Miami’s Christian Ortiz was sent off for a reckless challenge on Pariano. Shortly after, Union II earned a penalty for a handball—but Pariano’s effort ricocheted off the post, denying the equalizer.
Key Players & Moments
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Jordan Griffin made his first professional start at left back.
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Nick Pariano played a pivotal two-way role despite missing the penalty.
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Cavan Sullivan, only 15, showed flashes of brilliance and may feature with the senior team midweek.
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Daniel Pinter’s 36th-minute goal was the only shot on target for Inter Miami II—and the match-winner.
What’s Next?
Philadelphia Union II travel to face FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, June 1, 2025, looking to bounce back and regain momentum in MLS NEXT Pro play. With several key players potentially returning from injury or international duty, Head Coach Ryan Richter will have more flexibility in selection.
Full Match Stats
| Statistic | Union II | Miami II |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 23 | 3 |
| Shots on Goal | 6 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 8 | 2 |
| Possession Passes | 383 | 355 |
| Pass Accuracy (%) | 83.3% | 81.1% |
| Fouls | 14 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Corners | 11 | 0 |
| Offsides | 4 | 6 |
| Crosses | 12 | 2 |
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Union II (4-2-2-2) – Head Coach: Ryan Richter
Starting XI:
Semmle – Pariano, Uzcategui, Wetzel, Griffin
Vazquez, LeBlanc, Bernstein, Anderson
Olivas, Davis
Substitutes Used:
Sullivan (46’), Benitez (46’), Olney (46’), Sequera (72’), Johnson (72’)
Unused: Sheridan, Soria
Inter Miami II (4-3-3) – Head Coach: Christian Ledesma
Starting XI:
Schmid – Hall, Abadia-Reda, Marchetti, Vorenkamp
Montenegro, Martinez, Sparks
Morales, Saja, Pinter
Substitutes Used: Ortiz (46’), Sumalla (66’), Basabe (79’), Destin (90’)
Unused: Marin, Garcia-Spencer, Pymm, Ledesma, Flores
Scoring Summary
36’ MIA: Daniel Pinter – Breakaway finish
Discipline
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52’ MIA: Martinez (Yellow)
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57’ MIA: Saja (Yellow)
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69’ PHI: Uzcategui (Yellow)
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80’ MIA: Ortiz (Red)
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90+ MIA: Basabe (Yellow), Marchetti (Yellow)
Final Thoughts
This match will sting for Union II, who dominated every measurable aspect except the scoreboard. The result, however, underscores the importance of composure and execution in front of goal. With young talents like Sullivan, Olney, and Griffin stepping up, the future remains bright for Philadelphia’s development squad.
